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Analysis Study Research Paper | Social Work | Kenya | Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023

Addressing the Challenge of Street Children Rehabilitation: Insights from Starehe Sub - County, Nairobi

Margaret Wambui Weru

Abstract: In Nairobi City County, which is the capital city of the Republic of Kenya, there is a major crisis involving street children. Indeed, the number of homeless underage persons in the city is about 70, 000, and about 10, 000 of them live in Starehe Sub - County. The research is focused on the rehabilitation efforts being made in Starehe. Many of the street children in Starehe have ever been taken through various rehabilitation programs, but they ended - up relapsing. In that case, it is apparent that the root - causes of the problem were never addressed in an effective manner. Specifically, these children seem to have no social - emotional skills which would enable them to avoid the life in the streets. They lack self - awareness, social - awareness, self - management skills, have no relationship skills, and are unable to make responsible decisions. The primary study was a narrative inquiry that involved eight respondents. The approach was taken because it is effective when the research is qualitative, and in cases where the goal is to explore and understand human experiences. The participants shared their stories, and the information was complimented with the details gathered through the perusal of the primary documents obtained from rehabilitation centers. Subsequently, the underlying themes and patterns were revealed. The conclusion is that the high rate of relapse is caused by the failure of a majority of the rehabilitation centers in Starehe Sub - County to utilize research - based approaches while assisting their clients. It was also apparent that their work is hardly ever informed by such relevant frameworks as the social learning theory and behaviorism. The application of relevant theories and research - based approaches would help these facilities achieve a much higher rate of success. Such a strategy would help come - up with tailored interventions which address the specific needs of the street children, and also offer guidance and a sense of direction while helping these individuals. Therefore, it is important for the rehabilitation centers in Starehe Sub - County to reevaluate their operational methodologies.

Keywords: Street children, rehabilitation efforts, relapse, social - emotional skills, social learning theory, qualitative research

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023,

Pages: 222 - 227